How to Clean NHS Hearing Aids: Daily and Weekly Care

A few minutes of cleaning each day keeps NHS hearing aids sounding clear. Here is a simple routine for each type, plus where to get free batteries and tubing.

Updated · 4 min read

Illustration of a hearing aid with an earmould, a small brush, a cloth and a wax pick

To clean NHS hearing aids, wipe them each night with a soft, dry cloth or an alcohol-free wipe, and clear wax from the openings with the brush or wax pick your audiologist gave you. If you have behind-the-ear aids with earmoulds, wash the earmoulds in warm soapy water about once a week. Never get the hearing aid itself wet. Tubing should be replaced every 4 to 6 months, and NHS batteries and tubing are free.

Why cleaning matters

Earwax, moisture and dirt can build up in hearing aids. The charity RNID says this can reduce the sound quality or stop a hearing aid working altogether. Many "faulty" hearing aids just need cleaning.

Your hearing aid cleaning kit

  • a soft, dry cloth or tissue
  • alcohol-free and chemical-free wipes
  • the small brush and wax pick from your audiologist
  • for earmoulds: a bowl of warm soapy water and a puffer to dry the tubing
  • spare batteries, tubing or wax filters

Your audiologist may also sell cleaning tools.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids with earmoulds

This is the most common type of NHS hearing aid.

Every night

  1. Wipe the hearing aid and the earmould with a dry cloth, tissue or alcohol-free wipe.
  2. Use a wax pick to clear any wax from the channel through the earmould.

About once a week

RNID suggests washing the earmould:

  1. Gently pull the soft tubing off the hook of the hearing aid. Do not pull it out of the earmould.
  2. Wash the earmould, with the tubing still attached, in warm soapy water. A nailbrush or vent cleaner helps remove wax.
  3. Rinse it well.
  4. Blow through the tubing, or use a puffer, to get rid of all the water.
  5. Leave it to dry overnight.
  6. Push the tubing back onto the hook.

Make sure the earmould and tubing are completely dry before you reattach them. Water in the tubing can block sound.

Open-fit hearing aids

Open-fit aids have a thin tube and a soft tip that sits in the ear.

  1. Wipe the main part with a soft, dry cloth or tissue.
  2. Clean the soft tip with a dry cloth.
  3. Check the tip and tubing for wax. If they are blocked, gently detach the tubing, clean it with the thin nylon wire you were given, and reattach it securely.

Receiver-in-the-ear hearing aids

These have a small speaker on a thin wire that sits in the ear.

  1. Wipe the main part with a dry cloth or alcohol-free wipe.
  2. Clean the dome or tip with a dry cloth.
  3. Check the wax filter inside the tip. If it looks waxy, replace it using the tool provided.
  4. To change the tip, hold the speaker and gently pull the tip off, then push the new one on firmly.
  5. Check the wire for twists. If you cannot straighten it, contact your audiologist, as twists can affect how it works.

In-the-ear and in-the-canal hearing aids

These are less common on the NHS. Clean them at the end of each day:

  1. Brush wax away from the openings with the soft brush.
  2. Use a wax pick for anything the brush does not clear.
  3. Wipe the whole hearing aid with a clean, dry cloth.

The very smallest "invisible" aids are usually cleaned by your audiologist at appointments.

Things to avoid

  • Water: never wash or rinse the hearing aid itself, and take it out before showers, baths and swimming.
  • Alcohol and chemicals: use only plain, alcohol-free wipes.
  • Sharp objects: only use the tools your audiologist gave you.
  • Heat: do not dry hearing aids on a radiator or with a hairdryer.

Changing tubing and batteries

RNID recommends replacing tubing every 4 to 6 months, as it hardens and discolours over time.

If you use your hearing aids all day, you will usually need to change batteries about once a week. Many hearing aids beep when the battery is low. Switch the hearing aid off before removing the battery, and put the new one in with the flat side marked "+" facing up. Your audiologist, or a family member or carer, can show you how.

Where to get free NHS batteries and tubing

NHS batteries and repairs are free, according to the NHS website. RNID says you can usually get batteries and tubing from:

  • your audiology service or ENT department, in person or by post
  • some local health centres
  • an RNID local hearing aid support service

Take your hearing aid repair book or battery card if you have one. Ask your audiology service how it works locally.

When to contact your audiology service

Get in touch if:

  • your hearing aid whistles a lot even after cleaning
  • it is crackly, quiet or not working with a new battery
  • the earmould is cracked or no longer fits well
  • the hearing aid is damaged

Repairs to NHS hearing aids are free. There may be a charge if a lost or broken hearing aid needs replacing. If your hearing aids still do not seem to help after cleaning, see our guide on whether NHS hearing aids are any good for tips on getting them adjusted.

Cleaning questions

Can I use cotton buds on my hearing aid?

Stick to the brush, cloth and wax pick from your audiologist. They are designed for the job.

How long do earmoulds last?

Ask your audiology service. Earmoulds may need replacing if they crack, harden or stop fitting well.

Sources

Checked on 14 October 2026:

This guide explains the general rules for staff in England using 2026/27 figures. It is not financial advice. Your employer, payslip or NHS Pensions statement has the final word on your own pay.

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